Portable magnetic positioning tool

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for positioning one or more components relative to a work surface are provided. The apparatus can include a frame having a first support member extending therefrom. At least one extendable member can be disposed on the first support member. The extendable member can be adapted to move in a linear direction. At least one magnet can be disposed on the frame. The magnet can include at least one contact side that can be switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state.

1. A portable metal working tool, comprising:
 a frame having a first side, a second side, and a support member disposed between and connected to the first and second sides; 
 at least one linearly extendable member disposed on the support member; 
 a first magnet connected to the first side; 
 a second magnet connected to the second side, wherein the first and second magnets each include at least one contact surface that is switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state; and 
 at least two wheels connected to the frame, apart from the first and second magnets. 
 
     
     
       2. The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second sides are parallel with respect to one another and the support member is perpendicular to the first and second sides. 
     
     
       3. The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the extendable member is adapted to move between the first and second magnets. 
     
     
       4. The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the extendable member is adapted to move between the first side and the second side toward the first and second magnets. 
     
     
       5. The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the support member is adjustable along a length of the first and second sides. 
     
     
       6. The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the extendable member is mechanically, hydraulically, or pneumatically actuated. 
     
     
       7. The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising a handle connected to the frame to move the tool. 
     
     
       8. The tool of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the connections between the first magnet and the first side and the second magnet and the second side is a rotatable connection, a swivelable connection, a pivotable connection, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
       9. The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second magnets each include a housing having at least one permanent magnet rotatably disposed therein. 
     
     
       10. A portable metal working tool, comprising:
 a frame having a first vertical side, a second vertical side, and a horizontal support member disposed between and connected to the first and second vertical sides; 
 a first magnet connected to the first vertical side and a second magnet connected to the second vertical side, wherein the first and second magnets each include at least one contact surface that is switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state, and wherein the first and second magnets each comprise a housing having at least one permanent magnet rotatably disposed therein and a means for rotating the at least one permanent magnet; 
 at least one hydraulic system disposed on an upper surface of the horizontal support member; 
 an extending member disposed through the horizontal support member and operated using the hydraulic system, wherein the extending member is adapted to move in a linear direction between the first and second vertical sides and toward the first and second magnets connected thereto; 
 at least one first wheel connected to the first vertical side; 
 at least one second wheel connected to the second vertical side; and 
 a handle connected to and extending from the frame to move the tool. 
 
     
     
       11. The tool of  claim 10 , wherein the horizontal support member is vertically adjustable about the first and second vertical sides. 
     
     
       12. The tool of  claim 10 , wherein the first magnet is connected to the first vertical side such that the contact surface of the first magnet extends beyond a first end of the first vertical side; and wherein the second magnet is connected to the second vertical side such that the contact surface of the second magnet extends beyond a first end of the second vertical side. 
     
     
       13. The tool of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the connections between the first magnet and the first vertical side and the second magnet and the second vertical side is a rotatable connection, a swivelable connection, a pivotable connection, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
       14. The tool of  claim 10 , wherein the first vertical side comprises two or more first vertical supports disposed on a first horizontal support, wherein the second vertical side comprises two or more second vertical supports disposed on a second horizontal support, wherein the first magnet is disposed on the first horizontal support opposite the two or more first vertical supports, and wherein the second magnet is disposed on the second horizontal support opposite the two or more second vertical supports. 
     
     
       15. The tool of  claim 14 , wherein a first side of the handle is connected to the first horizontal support and a second side of the handle is connected to the second horizontal support. 
     
     
       16. The tool of  claim 10 , wherein the contact surfaces of the first and second magnets and a contact surface of the extending member are substantially parallel with respect to one another. 
     
     
       17. A method for metal working, comprising:
 positioning a portable metal working tool on or adjacent to a work surface to be worked, the tool comprising:
 a frame having a first side, a second side, and a support member disposed between and connected to the first and second sides; 
 at least one linearly extendable member disposed on the support member; 
 a first magnet connected to the first side; 
 a second magnet connected to the second side, wherein the first and second magnets each include at least one contact surface that is switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state; and 
 at least two wheels connected to the frame, apart from the first and second magnets. 
 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , further comprising actuating the first magnet, the second magnet, or both to the magnetized state. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , further comprising extending the extendable member to engage against the work surface, a second work surface intermediate the extendable member and the work surface, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19 , further comprising releasing the tool from the work surface by actuating the first magnet, the second magnet, or both to the non-magnetized state.